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It is often easier to spot signs of a cockroach problem than the actual insect pest. Cockroaches are mostly nocturnal. During the day they prefer to stay hidden in cracks and crevices, coming out to feed mostly at night time.
Cockroaches are attracted to all types of food available in your home. They will eat anything from foods, paper, and packaging to plastics and fabrics. If you suspect a problem in your home or business there are some simple ways to tell if you have cockroaches.
The sooner you spot these signs of cockroaches, the faster we will be able to provide you with cockroach control solutions so you can get back to living pest-free. Look out for the following indications of a cockroach infestation:
Cockroaches leave behind dark droppings that appear very similar to ground coffee or black pepper. The droppings are less than 1mm wide and vary in length. If you do find what you suspect to be cockroach droppings, use caution in cleaning them up. Cockroaches will eat just about anything, and the pathogens from their past meals live on in their digestive systems. Bacteria can easily be spread through their droppings.
In areas with high moisture, cockroaches will produce dark, irregular shaped smear marks as they crawl along walls or even when they rest. You may see these marks on horizontal surfaces and at wall-floor junctions where cockroaches are most active.
Cockroaches lay capsules, or oothecae, full of multiple eggs. The ootheca is a bit different for each cockroach species. The German cockroach ootheca has about 18 segments, whereas the brown banded cockroach only about 8 segments. Conversely, Oriental and American cockroach oothecae have no clear segmentation. Instead they have circular, raised areas just below the keel.
Most cockroach species drop the ootheca immediately, but the German cockroach carries it around until it is about to hatch. When it does hatch, it releases about 30 tiny nymphs.
As they grow in size and progress through the various lifecycle stages into adulthood, cockroaches shed their skins 5-8 times. If cockroaches are present, you will likely see these shed skins of varying sizes around your home or business.
As previously stated, cockroaches will eat nearly anything. They often leave behind chew marks and other signs of damage on items other than just food packaging. Cockroaches will even eat through materials such as leather and book pages.
Cockroaches leave feces behind wherever they live and sleep. These droppings produce a pheromone that attracts other cockroaches to the area. To humans, the pheromone presents itself as a lingering and unpleasant musty smell. As a cockroach infestation grows, the scent will become increasingly intense, tainting more and more items and surfaces.
Identifying the location of a cockroach infestation can depend greatly on the species of cockroach that has invaded your property. Some prefer warm and humid areas, while other species can tolerate cooler conditions.
Cockroach infestations are no joke. Not only are cockroaches eerie to look at, but they are known for spreading illness and even exacerbating asthma-related issues. Western Exterminator Specialists will treat the source of your cockroach infestation and prevent them from returning in the future.
Start living pest free with Western Exterminator. Contact us online or call 800-937-8398.
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